Modular assembled full-section tunnel boring machine

Abstract

The invention discloses a modular assembled full-face tunnel boring machine which comprises a cutting system for tunneling, a propelling system for propelling the cutting system, a supporting system for supporting and a rear matching system for transporting tunneling slag, the cutting system forms a first module, and the propelling system and the supporting system form a second module. The first module and the second module are hinged, an adjusting mechanism for driving the first module and the second module to rotate relatively is arranged between the first module and the second module, an auxiliary positioning surface which is magnetically adsorbed after being adjusted by the adjusting mechanism is arranged between the first module and the second module, and the auxiliary positioning surface is parallel to the hinge axis of the first module and the second module. The invention has the advantages that the equipment can be quickly assembled in a narrow space, and the application range of the full-section tunnel boring machine is expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of tunnel boring machines, in particular to a modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine. Background Art

[0002] TBMs, or full-section tunnel boring machines, are tunnel construction equipment that integrates advanced technologies from multiple fields. Due to their safety, efficiency, and environmental friendliness, they have been gradually applied to public infrastructure and new energy construction, including municipal administration, water conservancy, and nuclear power, and have enormous market potential. For example, by 2025, the planned length of urban integrated pipeline corridors will exceed 10,000 kilometers, and approximately 10 new nuclear power units will be approved each year. These projects all involve a large number of tunnel projects, and the annual market share in the nuclear power sector alone exceeds 10 billion yuan. However, in hard rock formations, the turning radius of medium to large diameter (≥3.5m) TBMs is typically 30-80D (excavation diameter).

[0003] Despite TBMs' significant advantages, their application scenarios are still limited by space, geological and hydrological conditions. Existing equipment is cumbersome and cannot meet the requirements of rapid assembly and extremely tight turning radius excavation in confined spaces. Furthermore, dynamic axis deviation correction technology lags behind, resulting in significant deviations in excavation accuracy under complex geological conditions. While traditional drilling and blasting methods can overcome these limitations, they are inefficient, rely heavily on manual labor, and are labor-intensive, leading to a yearly loss of the working-age workforce.

[0004] For hard rock tunnels that are not suitable for existing medium-sized and long TBMs, it is obviously necessary to develop new short and lightweight hard rock tunnel boring equipment to solve the problems of existing hard rock tunnel boring machines being too long, too heavy, and biased towards long and straight tunnel boring, so as to achieve rapid assembly and start-up of the equipment in a small space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a modularly assembled full-section tunnel boring machine, which can achieve rapid assembly of equipment in a narrow space and expand the application range of the full-section tunnel boring machine.

[0006] In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions.

[0007] A modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine includes a cutting system for tunneling, a propulsion system for advancing the cutting system, a supporting system, and a rear-end system for transporting tunneling materials and slag. The cutting system forms a first module, the propulsion system and the support system form a second module, the first module and the second module are hinged, an adjustment mechanism is provided between the first module and the second module for driving the first module and the second module to rotate relative to each other, and an auxiliary positioning surface is provided between the first module and the second module for magnetic attraction after adjustment by the adjustment mechanism, and the auxiliary positioning surface is parallel to the hinge axis of the first module and the second module.

[0008] The TBM is divided into a first and second module for easy transport, making it particularly suitable for narrow tunnels or complex terrain, improving transportation and assembly efficiency. The modular design allows for step-by-step assembly within confined spaces, eliminating the bulk of traditional monolithic TBMs, which are prohibitively large for transportation and installation. During assembly, only the first and second modules need to be aligned and connected, reducing on-site welding and bolting workload and shortening the construction period. The articulated structure allows the two modules to rotate relative to each other, driven by an adjustment mechanism, facilitating position adjustment in confined spaces and adapting to varying tunneling angles. Traditional TBMs use rigid connections, requiring the entire module to be moved to adjust the tunneling direction. However, the articulated structure, combined with the adjustment mechanism, allows for changes in cutting angles simply by adjusting the hydraulic cylinder, making operation more convenient and enhancing the machine's adaptability. Magnetic attraction automatically tightens the modules after initial alignment within the adjustment mechanism, eliminating mechanical gaps and preventing loosening due to vibration during tunneling. Compared to traditional bolt tightening or hydraulic locking, magnetic attraction automatically completes positioning, further improving assembly efficiency.

[0009] Preferably, a first mounter is provided at the rear end of the cutting system, and a second mounter is provided at the front end of the propulsion system to cooperate with the first mounter. The first mounter is provided with a first hinge seat, and the second mounter is provided with a second hinge seat. The second hinge seat has a slot. After the first hinge seat is inserted into the slot, it is connected via a positioning pin to form a hinge. The first hinge seat is provided with a first auxiliary positioning surface, and the second hinge seat is provided with a second auxiliary positioning surface. After the first hinge seat is inserted into the slot of the second hinge seat, the connection can be completed by simply inserting the positioning pin, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0010] Preferably, the first hinge seat includes an insert that inserts into a slot in the second hinge seat. The insert is provided with a slot corresponding to the locating pin. Within the slot is an elastic member that presses the locating pin forward. The elastic member pushes the locating pin deeper into the slot, eliminating clearance between the pin and the slot and preventing loosening of the connection due to excavation vibration. The slot provides a certain amount of adjustment margin, reducing machining precision requirements and increasing assembly tolerance.

[0011] Preferably, the first auxiliary locating surface is located at the outer end of the insert, and the second auxiliary locating surface is located at the bottom of the slot. The outer end of the insert and the bottom of the slot are concentrated stress areas. Providing locating surfaces there effectively transfers excavation loads, maximizes suction force, and improves connection rigidity. The locating surfaces are parallel to the articulation axis, ensuring they do not affect the rotational freedom of the adjustment cylinder.

[0012] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism is an adjustment cylinder, with its two ends pivotally connecting the first and second modules, respectively, and the rotation axis connecting the two ends of the adjustment cylinder parallel to the articulation axis of the first and second modules. The adjustment cylinder only drives the modules to rotate about the articulation axis, avoiding interference between multiple degrees of freedom and ensuring simpler and more reliable operation. The cylinder's extension and retraction is linearly correlated with the cutterhead pitch angle, facilitating precise digital control.

[0013] Preferably, the cutting system includes a cutterhead, a main drive, and a support shield. The main drive drives the cutterhead and is mounted within the support shield. The first mount is fixed to the rear end of the main drive. The main drive is built into the support shield to reduce external interference and adapt to narrow tunnel environments. The first mount is directly fixed to the rear end of the main drive to ensure the overall rigidity of the cutting system and avoid power loss.

[0014] Preferably, the second module includes a second installer, a propulsion cylinder, and grippers, which are sequentially arranged. The grippers are equipped with rear supports. The support system also includes a bolter that supports the second module. The propulsion cylinder, grippers, and bolter work in conjunction to achieve simultaneous support during excavation. The grippers are equipped with rear supports to distribute propulsion reaction forces and prevent the equipment from moving backward or deviating.

[0015] Preferably, a foldable sleeve is installed between the first and second installers, extending outside the hinged structure. This sleeve encloses the hinged joint, preventing rock debris from entering and affecting rotational flexibility, thereby reducing the risk of failure. The sleeve folds and retracts with the cylinder, adapting to different excavation angles without disassembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first module in a modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the second module in a modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic top view of the structure of the connection between a first installer and a second installer of a modular assembly disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the connection between the first hinge seat and the second hinge seat.

[0021] In the figure: cutting system 1, propulsion system 2, support system 3, rear supporting system 4, cutter head 5, slag bucket 51, main drive 6, support shield 7, belt conveyor 8, propulsion cylinder 9, support shoe 10, rear support 11, anchor drilling rig 12, first mounter 13, first articulated seat 14, insert block 15, first auxiliary positioning surface 16, second mounter 17, feed hole 171, second articulated seat 18, slot 19, second auxiliary positioning surface 20, positioning pin 21, adjustment mechanism 22, slide 23, elastic member 24, folding sleeve 25. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine includes a cutting system 1 for tunnel excavation, a propulsion system 2 for propelling the cutting system 1, a support system 3 for supporting the excavation material, and a rear supporting system 4 for transporting the excavation material. The cutting system 1 forms a first module. The cutting system 1 includes a cutterhead 5, a main drive 6, and a support shield 7. The main drive 6 drives the cutterhead 5 through a belt conveyor 8. The main drive 6 is installed in the support shield 7. A slag receiving bucket 51 is provided inside the support shield 7 on the rear side of the cutterhead 5. The specific shape and connection method of the cutting system 1 can be directly applied to the existing technology and do not involve the improvement points of this application, so they will not be elaborated. The propulsion system 2 and the support system 3 form a second module. The second module includes a second installer 17, a propulsion cylinder 9, and a support shoe 10 arranged in sequence. The support shoe 10 is equipped with a rear support 11. The support device also includes an anchor drill 12 supporting the second module. The propulsion cylinder 9 works in coordination with the support shoe 10 and the anchor drill rig 12 to complete support while excavating. The support shoe 10 is equipped with a rear support 11 to disperse the propulsion reaction force and prevent the equipment from retreating or shifting. Except for the second installer 17, the other structures of the second module can be directly applied to the existing technology, so they will not be elaborated. The rear supporting system 4 includes a material lifting system, a control room and a spray mixing system. The front end of the material lifting system is provided with a connecting bridge for connecting the support shoe 10. The rear supporting system 4 is existing technology and will not be elaborated. The first module and the second module are hinged, specifically: the rear end of the cutting system 1 is provided with a first installer 13, and the first installer 13 is fixed to the rear end of the main drive 6. The front end of the propulsion system 2 is equipped with a second mount 17 that cooperates with the first mount 13. The first mount 13 is equipped with a first hinge seat 14, and the second mount 17 is equipped with a second hinge seat 18. The second hinge seat 18 has a slot 19. After the first hinge seat 14 is inserted into the slot 19, it is connected by a locating pin 21 to form a hinge. The locating pin 21 passes through both the first and second mounts 13 and 17. An adjustment mechanism 22 is provided between the first and second modules to drive relative rotation of the first and second modules. Auxiliary positioning surfaces are provided between the first and second modules that are magnetically attracted after adjustment by the adjustment mechanism 22. The auxiliary positioning surfaces are parallel to the hinge axis of the first and second modules. The first hinge seat 14 is equipped with a first auxiliary positioning surface 16, and the second hinge seat 18 is equipped with a second auxiliary positioning surface 20. After the first hinge seat 14 is inserted into the slot 19 of the second hinge seat 18, the connection is completed by simply inserting the locating pin 21, which improves assembly efficiency. The first hinged seat 14 includes an insert 15 that inserts into a slot 19 in the second hinged seat 18. The insert 15 is provided with a slot 23 corresponding to a locating pin 21. A spring 24 is provided within the slot 23, pressing the locating pin 21 forward. The spring 24 is a spring. Two sets of first hinged seats 14 are provided on the first installer 13, spaced longitudinally along the first installer 13. Similarly, two sets of second hinged seats 18 are provided on the second installer 17 to mate with the first hinged seats 14.A material passage hole 171 is provided in the middle of the first mounter 13 and the second mounter 17 and a material passage mechanism such as a pipe is provided for the material received by the slag receiving hopper 51 to pass through. The material passage pipe has a certain disturbance to cooperate with the relative rotation of the first module and the second module.

[0024] The first auxiliary positioning surface 16 is located at the outer end of the insert 15, and the second auxiliary positioning surface 20 is located at the bottom of the slot 19. The outer end of the insert 15 is semi-cylindrical, and the first auxiliary positioning surface 16 is also semi-cylindrical. The bottom of the slot 19, or the second auxiliary positioning surface 20, is a flat surface. When the first and second modules are slightly misaligned during steering, the first and second auxiliary surfaces can be displaced by an elastic member 24 to avoid interference and facilitate steering of the first module relative to the second. The elastic member 24 pushes the positioning pin 21 deeper into the slot 19, eliminating the gap between the pin and the chute 23 and preventing loosening of the connection due to excavation vibration. The chute 23 provides a certain amount of adjustment margin, reducing machining precision requirements and increasing assembly tolerance. The auxiliary positioning surfaces are parallel to the hinge axis and do not affect the rotational freedom of the adjustment cylinder. The adjustment mechanism 22 is an adjustment cylinder, one set of which is located on each side of the hinge seat. The adjustment cylinder's two ends pivotally connect the first and second modules, respectively, and the axis of rotation connecting the two ends of the adjustment cylinder is parallel to the articulation axis of the first and second modules. The adjustment cylinder only drives the modules around the articulation axis, avoiding interference between multiple degrees of freedom and ensuring simpler and more reliable operation. The cylinder's extension and retraction is linearly correlated with the pitch angle of the cutterhead 5, facilitating precise digital control.

[0025] In this embodiment, the "front" and "rear" directions are determined according to the tunneling direction of the tunnel boring machine. The forward direction of the tunnel boring machine is the front, and the opposite direction is the rear. Figure 1 During operation, the tunnel boring machine propels the oil cylinder 9 to push the second positioner forward, which in turn feeds back to the first hinge seat 14 and the second hinge seat 18 to press them together. In other words, the propulsion of the oil cylinder 9 causes the first auxiliary surface to fit in with the second auxiliary surface, ensuring the reliability of the hinge.

[0026] The main drive 6 is built into the support shield 7, minimizing external interference and adapting to narrow tunnel environments. The first mount 13 is directly fixed to the rear end of the main drive 6, ensuring the overall rigidity of the cutting system 1 and preventing power loss. A folding sleeve 25 is installed between the first and second mounts 13, extending beyond their hinged connection. This sleeve encloses the hinged connection, preventing rock debris from entering and affecting rotational flexibility, thereby reducing the risk of failure. The sleeve folds and retracts with the cylinder, allowing for adaptability to varying tunneling angles without requiring disassembly.

[0027] This application divides the tunnel boring machine into a first module and a second module, facilitating separate transport and improving transport and assembly efficiency. This modular design allows for step-by-step assembly within a limited space, avoiding the bulky transportation and installation issues of traditional monolithic tunnel boring machines. During assembly, only the first and second modules need to be aligned and connected, reducing on-site welding and bolting workload and shortening the construction period. The hinged structure allows the two modules to rotate relative to each other, driven by an adjustment mechanism 22, facilitating relative position adjustment in confined spaces and adapting to varying tunneling angles. Conventional TBMs use rigid connections, requiring the entire module to be moved to adjust the tunneling direction. However, the hinged structure, combined with the adjustment mechanism 22, allows the cutting angle to be changed simply by adjusting the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder, making operation more convenient and enhancing the adaptability of the equipment. Magnetic attraction automatically tightens the modules after initial alignment by the adjustment mechanism 22, eliminating mechanical gaps and preventing loosening due to vibration during tunneling. Compared to traditional bolt tightening or hydraulic locking, magnetic attraction automatically completes positioning, further improving assembly efficiency.

[0028] During assembly of this embodiment, the first and second modules are first transported separately to the tunnel assembly area. The first and second modules are then moved using a lifting device so that the first module's insert 15 is aligned with the second module's slot 19. The locating pin 21 is then inserted. The elastic member 24, pre-installed within the first module's insert 15, automatically snaps into the deep end of the slide slot 23 under the elastic force of the elastic member 24, completing the mechanical locking. Next, when the electromagnetic power is applied, the auxiliary locating surface, which has a magnet, attracts the auxiliary locating surface at the end of the insert 15 and the bottom of the slot 19, overcoming a certain degree of elastic force from the elastic member 24. Finally, the hydraulic cylinder is energized, driving the cutterhead 5 to the preset inclination angle, completing the launch of the full-face tunnel boring machine.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the full-face tunnel boring machine is working and needs to turn the tunnel, the electromagnetic force of the first auxiliary positioning surface 16 is first released, and the adjustment structure is driven to rotate the first module relative to the second module by a certain angle. Then, the first auxiliary positioning surface 16 and the second auxiliary positioning surface 20 are adsorbed by the magnetic force, and then the equipment can be operated to complete the turning tunnel.

[0030] As a simple alternative to the above solution, the first auxiliary positioning surface 16 or the second auxiliary positioning surface 20 is made of permanent magnetic material.

Claims

1. A modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine, comprising a cutting system for tunneling, a propulsion system for propulsing the cutting system, a supporting system for supporting the cutting system, and a rear supporting system for transporting excavation materials and slag, characterized in that: The cutting system forms a first module, the propulsion system and the support system form a second module, the first module and the second module are hinged, and an adjustment mechanism is provided between the first module and the second module to drive the first module and the second module to rotate relative to each other, and an auxiliary positioning surface is provided between the first module and the second module to be magnetically adsorbed after adjustment of the adjustment mechanism, and the auxiliary positioning surface is parallel to the hinge axis of the first module and the second module.

2. A modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end of the cutting system is provided with a first installer, and the front end of the propulsion system is provided with a second installer cooperating with the first installer. The first installer is provided with a first articulated seat, and the second installer is provided with a second articulated seat. A slot is provided in the second articulated seat. After the first articulated seat is inserted into the slot, it is connected through a positioning pin shaft to form a hinge. A first auxiliary positioning surface is provided on the first articulated seat, and a second auxiliary positioning surface is provided on the second articulated seat.

3. The modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first hinge seat includes an insert block inserted into a slot of the second hinge seat, a sliding groove corresponding to the positioning pin shaft is provided on the insert block, and an elastic member is provided in the sliding groove to press forward against the positioning pin shaft.

4. The modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first auxiliary positioning surface is located at the outer end of the insert block, and the second auxiliary positioning surface is located at the bottom of the slot.

5. The modular assembled full-face tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism is an adjustment cylinder, the two ends of which are respectively rotatably connected to the first module and the second module, and the rotation axis connecting the two ends of the adjustment cylinder is parallel to the hinge axis of the first module and the second module.

6. The modular assembled full-face tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cutting system includes a cutter head, a main drive and a support shield. The main drive drives the cutter head, the main drive is installed in the support shield, and the first installer is fixed to the rear end of the main drive.

7. The modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second module includes a second installer, a propulsion cylinder and a gripper shoe which are arranged in sequence. The gripper shoe is equipped with a rear support. The support device also includes a bolter supporting the second module.

8. A modularly assembled full-face tunnel boring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A folding sleeve is provided between the first installer and the second installer and is sleeved on the outside of the hinged structure of the two.

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